I wanna feel sand under my feet

Am longing for an impromptu let’s-drop-everything and head to the beach getaway. Is this a year end syndrome? No, maybe it’s cos I’m half beach whale half human, need to recharge the other half and soak up the sun ;p Although I was in Langkawi a few months back, but didnt get that much beach time. 

My sister was just rubbing it in telling me how much sand & sea fun she had in Maldives, when my whole family except for me, was there for a vacation. At the time I had to attend debate training for the World Universities Debating Championship in South Africa, but I didnt feel too bad bout missing the trip to Maldives, S.A was equally exotic.

Oh yes a dose of sand & sea would really do me good now.

cousins heading to the beach, my sister’s as big as the dolphin she’s carrying hehe [love u Piggy! ;p]

 office peeps made a trip to Langkawi earlier this year to save the mangroves – pic: with Madame checking out flip flops

that’s me getting a free mud bath

Deadly Killer

 I received very sad news today, someone I highly respect and admire was diagnosed with liver cancer. Earlier one of my colleague’s daughter was diagnosed with breast cancer. Cancer really doesnt discriminate. It’s so disheartening.

But it’s also moving,they remained so calm and composed. I dont know how I would’ve reacted [God forbid it happens to me]. Self examination for women is key, not taking lightly any abnormal conditions with your body is vital and more importantly if and when diagnosed with cancer, to maintain the fighthing spirit to beat it.

I hope and pray that they get better.

Some breast cancer facts..

Did you know that breast cancer afflicts an estimated figure of more than ONE MILLION women in the world each year and is the 2nd leading cause of cancer deaths among women worldwide, second to lung cancer?  Did you know that early detection and getting appropriate medical attention can help save lives? So it is unfortunate in Malaysia that nearly 40% of the new cases identified each year were already in the very advanced stages of the disease. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the world, affecting one in 19 women in Malaysia. As with most cancers, the earlier breast cancer is detected and diagnosed, the better the chances of successful treatment. One of the best ways of ensuring that breast cancer is for you to be breast aware, that is understanding and knowing how your breast look and feel like under normal circumstances, so that you are able to seek early medical advice if there are any changes in either breast. Find out as much as you can about the subject so you can make an informed choice about your treatment options. Do not be afraid to ask questions from medical practitioners. Be positive and lead a normal life after breast cancer treatment. Take good care of your mind, body and soul. Source: National Cancer Registry

Another Must Watch

iPhone

Thanks to Suren I’m now considering the iPhone..mmmm

Sweetlicious Book

It arrived last Wednesday. My very own copy. Thanks Jill!

Zoey’s

the invite

Ya-ah another party!

As usual highlights:

The Pucci cuppies

Elsie had the best idea – Emilio Pucci inspired cupcakes. We commissioned Mrs Foo for the task and she did an excellent job, it was extreme Pucciness! Birthday cakes are an all time for b’days but for a party of about 30pax, cuppies do a better job, more to go around, smaller bites and they’re more fun!

Palate Palatte

It’s behind hotel Istana. Describe it? Artsy fartsy.giraffe popping out of the ceiling, peacock tiled wall, button latches for the lil ladies room (yes I noticed), horsie on the bar, and cool sounds to go with the ambience. Comfy-ly placed couches, rattan chairs, bean bags gave way to pleasant chats, giggles and more.

 

i love the horsie shot

my camera 101

Having not figured out how to use my brother’s Nikon properly, I was getting pretty agitated when I didnt manage to fix the settings..I wanted to test out my skills, not wanting to use auto mode.. but wasnt successful and pics just didnt turn out right.

I had to make a SOS call to Shuq to ask him how to adjust the flash so that the pics dont look overexposed. But Faesal saved the day, Aspa’s cousin who’s not alien with the DSLR, can tell by the way he handles the machines hehe. Once he placed the settings, gave me some quick tips, I was on full shutter bug mode ;p Merci Faesal! He took some great shots too.

right- Faesal, my guru for the nite

Zoey!

Ah yes, ze b’day chick. It was a surprise b’day partay and she was surprised! She looked like a budding actress receiving her first Oscar..glam + overwhelmed ;p Spotted a new hair-do that looked fantastic on her and reminded me of Catherine Zeta Jones in Chicago. She dressed for the occasion too (makes me wonder whether she already knew about the party- did you Zoey? ;p)

Partay goodies

Cuban hats for the guys and double headbands for the ladies. The hats really fitted the mood, and looked great in pics too.

my hand on the hat

Color Splash.

The theme. I wasnt exactly splashy..brown + dark purple + light purple + purple wedges + green tote..ok la. I wanted to wear black, but there was a strict no black and white rule [arent black and white colors too?]. But everyone had colors on..with Elsie as the party planner no one would dare beat the theme hehe.

Parties at this age are way different from the Mc’d parties when we were kids, we’ve all grown and so has our style of celebration. Burgers to baked salmon and salad. Party hats to Cuban hats. We had a fahbulous time! And I had fun shutter bugging away ;p Went back with a slight headache though.. thank God I came with Aspa and Raoul- thanks peeps.

Next party- December!

Check out more pics at my flickr page

10-is

Got to know from Mrs Foo that Roger Federer will be playing against Pete Sampras in November here in Malaysia, Shah Alam to be exact. Thought i’d treat my parents and get tickets for them and me-self. So I did – 3 tickets for the match on 11 November. Mrs Foo will be there too.

Folks were thrilled when I told them that I had gotten tix.Mum and Dad are huge tennis fans. So are my brothers-they used to play tennis quite seriously when they were younger. I remember watching them play at tournies all across Malaysia.. tagged along like I was part of their entourage ;p

Ikbal, the older twin has a temper like Boris Becker hehe, Ikmal is relatively cool-er on the court, but both equally talented. They can still play pretty well.  I should’ve gotten tickets for my brothers too, I’m sure they’ll get on my case when they hear I didnt get tix for them..eek! Will try tomorow, but most of the seats are sold out.

So, between Sampras and Federer, mmm I think Federer would win, hey he’s good, plus he’s younger.. but I’ll be rooting for Sampras!

Boxes & Ribbons

Shopped for some pressies just now- for upcoming and belated birthdays. Funny..I actually get more pleasure wrapping the gifts than buying them ;p Picking the box,tissue or shredded paper for the insides.. then ribbons..fa-un!

Who doesnt enjoy getting presents? No idea what you’re about to get, there’s the surprise element, and if it’s from someone you know would go the extra mile of shopping for a nice gift for you, finding something you like..then there’s a good potential you’re a getting a pressie that would make u smile as wide as a 4 lane highway! Yea, I’ve had those 4 lane highway wide smiles a couple of times.

Have this thing for wrapped, in a box tied with ribbon gifts- just has spoons of charm. And I only trust D’Nata to do the job.

Jason Bourne’s Back

Have heard nothing but excellent reviews. I extremely enjoyed watching Identity & Supremacy. I’m not sure whether it was Identity or Supremacy, that I watched with Haris, he’s like a Jason Bourne wannabe haha. He’s back in Bosnia now, or else would’ve definitely dragged him along. 

Well am pretty confident that Bourne Ultimatum wont be a let down. Cant wait to catch it tomorrow!

the Big Day

Vera Wang

everyone just adores her work dont they..what’s there not to adore

Was reading Women’s Health mag and thought I’d post up some fun stats from the last page.

 The Average Women (AW) & the big day:

• Age the average bride first says “I do” – 27  Ok la I’m not too late hehe
• The AW’s top 3 wedding day worries- 1) zits 2) rain 3) embarrasing relatives – yup for 1 & 2, na-ah for 3 cos i dont have embrassing relatives, thank God!
• If money were no object, person the AW would commission to design her dress-Vera Wang yes yes!
• Number of women who attend their ex’s nuptials-1 in 10 wow I’m in the minority stat..was there at Shahnon’s reception.
• Top gift on the average bride’s wish list: ka-ching! or a pair of return tickets to Sicily, or Ubud..Maldives would do too.

WUPID..happening soon.

It’s going to be a blast!

Lurve the video.

After the Break

Things I’m looking forward to do once my Raya break is officially over tomorrow:

1. Going out for lunch with Mrs Foo, Tai Tai, Sarah J, and Madame
2. Body Step! Need the workout after all the pigging out.
3. Enjoying rojak and leng chee kang at Mont Kiara’s flea market- instead of take away [see 2nd post on workout, 3rd post on food- so not focused hehe]
4. Going on full speed mode at work, after the Raya fever hit me pretty badly last week ;p
5. Taking food shots for WUPID’s magazine!

Raihan Update: Eid & She’s Going to be a Mummy!

0301 appeared on my phone screen just now-Raihan!

I was wondering why she didnt reply my Raya text, and worried that something was up cos she told me from our last conversation that she’s down with horrible case of morning sickness. Oh yes..Raihan and Andrew are expecting their first child! baby’s 7 weeks old now.

After the Raya wishes and checking up on each others physical state..how u doing etc? we updated each other on the big ticket items..

1. Poor Raihan had to celebrate Raya in the hospital, cos of the bad spell of morning sickness [Raihan has a strong stand of not calling it morning sickness cos it happens all day! hehe] But she’s at home now, on medication and is feeling much better. Alhamdulillah. Was great to hear that she’s doing better. If anyone knows of any all-day sickness remedies, do tell me, although I doubt there’s a cure, cos the conditions are different for every expecting mom.
2. Raihan met up with her distant relative in Canberra, who’s staying there with his wife. They’ve never met before, and the first time was 2 days ago on the first day of Eid when they visited her and brought her some kuih raya. Yess, sweet Syawal blessing. Told Raihan it’s like a scene from a Cerekarama haha
3. Right now Raihan’s still not in the mood for any rendang or ketupat- so I guess the Raya-home-sick-ness isnt too bad, at least food wise, but she does miss her family terribly.

That’s the gist of Raihan-update for now, it’s always nice to hear from her.

Gosh, in the past  it was chatting and srutinizing our performance after debate selections in our dorm rooms, or trouble shooting each other’s young adult problems..now it’s checking to see if she and the baby are doing ok. Yup there is an unborn child involved, one that I am certain will be the king or queen of cuteness!

Time really jets off doesnt it.. scary but pleasant scary

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A conversation between Raihan and I a few weeks ago when she broke the wonderful + happy coated news…

Nadia: An, how was your football game last Sunday? dont you get thirsty playing during Ramadhan

Raihan: Nah, it’s not too bad, cos the weather is dry here, but I wont be able to play football for the next 8 months!

[Raihan and her creative ways of communicating, can't just come out and say "Dya I'm pregnant!" ;p]

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Stay tune for more updates and dont forget to pass me those morning  all-day sickness remedies if u guys know of any!

White Raya

The first and second day of Raya has always been reserved for family members..of course we still have family friends and neighbors coming over to celebrate. Since I dont have kampungs to go back to, first day of Raya in the morning, I’ll be in Keramat, to celebrate with dad’s side of the family, then later in the evening in Damansara, my aunt’s house, mum’s side. My grandmum stopped hosting at her place in TTDI and shifted the Raya celebration to my aunt’s place- Mama Wa has turned into a pro at playing hostess on behalf of my gandmum!

This year, I noticed a “white” theme in the baju raya. My sister for one wore an elegant white Italian linen with soft grey prints [wished it was mine!] They look so suci murni in the pics hehe!

I didnt have time to buy any materials for Raya, so had to get my baju Raya off the rack. Drove Mrs Foo crazy when she helped me go through some potential outfits. I finally decided to just mix and match what I did manage to buy with some old pieces that I had.

see..all white

nasha with my cousin Iqral-also in white

yup in white..Mama Wa (my mum’s sister, Sarah) looking pretty as always

Did I not get the memo that it was gonna be white this year?? Tsk tsk tsk

**************************

Am so exhausted, the big makan at our house just ended. Naturally, there’s all the cleaning up to do. My sister is hopeless when it to comes to the “after party”, hosting guests she does ok, but cleaning up-nope!

Second day of Raya is reserved for Uncle Din’s open house for the family. The menu is not the usual Raya dishes-we dont serve rendang and the gang- but nasi, ulam, sambal sotong, sup tulang, ikan kembung rebus and mee udang. Yum! I know.. very uncoventional, but after all the rendang and lontong on the first day- everyone looks forward to some ol fashion food to break the taste!

********************

Well Raya is officially over for me..actually the best time is on the eve of Raya..especially when I hear the takbir and seeing all my family members around me, thankful that they’re still with me in good health and spirit, and thinking of those who can’t be home for Raya like Uncle Man in the States.

After this it’s just the numerous open houses to go to, and picking out dates to host my friends at home.

**********************************

Am poofed.Oh yea, the so called accidental theme was white this year, but as always I  had to be extra “special”..I went all black haha. So Yin&Yang!

Arrival of Syawal

Selamat Hari Raya, Maaf Zahir & Batin

To do List

My to do list on the eve of Raya..short surprisingly:

1. Drive to Mrs Foo’s place in Damansara and pick up gradmum’s cakes + my lemons
2. Drop the cakes at grandmum’s in TTDI
3. Take Piggy [my sister] to Ikea – she wants to buy this cupboard thingy, dont know why it cant wait till after raya
4. Then to One Utama cos Piggy needs to do some last minute shopping for Raya [sigh why cant she be like her sister hehe all done, no actually I might pick up some last minute items myself]
5. Drop by Ponytails for a quick wash and cut [ this is last minute on my part]
6. Home – helping folks with the final touches!

Balik Kampung

I stopped using the NKVE to get home today opting for the Federal Highway instead cos traffic started to get really heavy on the NKVE since yesterday with city folks starting their balik kampung journey. I wish I had a kampung to go back to. TTDI, 5 mins away from One Utama and Keramat,15 mins away from KLCC is hardly kampung.

I envy those who have kampungs, am sure there’s an unbeatable excitement about packing for the trip, hitting the road, and the pumped up spirit just as you draw minutes away from your destination, eager to meet your parents, siblings and the rest of the gang. I’m not sure how much my idea of a kampung is still accurate but I’m imagining, nice papan houses, surrounded by coconut trees, or a paddy field at the back, with ketupat,lemang and dodol cooking in the yard. Okay maybe a bit too Petronas advert, Hari-Raya-music-clip like but am sure there are some kampungs that still fit that bill..I hope so.

Perhaps, I should live really far away when I get married, then I can enjoy the “balik kampung” spirit. I hate having to reply when people ask where will I be celebrating Raya..”Oh just here, I have no kampung” bleech.

 Guess for now I’ll just savour the traffic-free roads of KL.

Raya’s Just Around the Corner

What the house smells of..mum’s freshly baked pineapple tarts

Sister came back frm MMU for Raya today, that’s her doing what she does best-

sleeping at her fav spot..the TV area. She just got a text message.

Some of Dad’s graceful Kois. Hope no kid will try feeding them kuih this Raya.

Last year, one of our guest’s kid did

Triple Dose

Last week I had 3 iftars, 3 days in a row with friends I made at work, during my uni days and when I was a very young girl in school.

Wednesday – Iftar @ Sri Melaka with SC mates

Highlights

1. Celebrating Mc-g and Zul’s new job -they’re both working at the same place.
2. We were a big group- 16 heads, so there was a lot of passing of lauk (dishes) to the different ends of the table
3. Everyone guessed the damage amount ie bill- my guess was RM350, I was waayyy off, Mc-g came closest at RM450..and the tab was a whopping RM470.
4. We were the loudest group there hehe.
5. Watching Alimin count the stacks of notes after everyone passed their share

 

Thursday – Iftar with Uni mates @ Basil, Bangsar Village 1.

Highlights:

1. Met up with part time model- NTV7 staff Hyda whom I have not met in ages. Looking as tall as ever.
2. Ama – I totally miss listening to her laugh. It’s loud, hearty and extremely contagious. Can you hear her laughing through the pic above ;P
3. Nigs lost a lot of weight-she was almost size zero. Can imagine her walking down a couture runway. Workaholic during puasa month..tsk tsk. Poor Nigs, we’ll stuff you with ketupat and rendang soon.
4. The sinfully delicious cheesecake at Starbucks

   

    Hyda protecting her all-the-way-from-France LV

Friday – Iftar at Korean restaurant, Bullgogi with schoolmates.

Highlights

1. Excellent-exciting hot plate and steamboat dining experience! Good pick Zoey!But I was very scared to “cook” the food though cos the minyak sometimes “meletup” [sorry I cant find another word to describe it hehe] Next time I’ll bring a long chopstick with me.
2. Delicious lamb and Korean jelly!
3. Aspa’s fan saved us, we sat outside and it was HOT cos the hot plate was right at our faces.
4. Cooling off session at Starbucks in Bangsar [yes again] where Elsie and Tariq joined us then later Mr PT [personal trainer] Azza [Aspa's hubby] made a special apperance at 12am haha
5. Getting pink-tastic goodies from Wan…thanks babe!
6. Owh and of course, Wan’s multi role as Kak Nita, Oprah, Dr Phil all in one night amazed us, you should hear her thoughts on relationship, men…talk-show material! ;p

the mighty fan at work

 Mr PT, Oprah and Elsie

So there you go, my triple dose.

Bunga Api

I know it’s illegal. Although i’m not too sure which type is and which isnt.

I’m talking about mercun, bunga api.

It doesnt feel so festive [no suasana] when i dont hear mercun going off at night. I used to hear it a few years back, but nowadays, hardly.

But when I’m at my grandmum’s place in Keramat, it really feels macam nak Raya, cos kids play the bunga api after Iftar and I can hear the mercuns pop! Nothing signals festivity to me more than the sound of mercun or the sight of bunga api.

I bought tons back when I was a kid - mercun katak, the spiral thingy, then the long one that sparks when it shoots out, and the harmless Pop Pops.

Well, brothers will be home this Friday, I’ll remind them to pasang the pelita around the house. That would defintely get the festive mood kicking.

Or am I just growing out of Raya? Mmmm

Strawberry Dreams

  

Pic of Strawberry Dreams taken just before I entered pastry dreamworld

It’s just music to my ears when Mrs Foo tells me she wants me to taste something she just made or baked. Cos it’s almost a 100% guaranteed that it’ll taste good. Today it was “Strawberry Dreams”. Definitely lived up to it’s name. Dreamylicious? Absolutely!

She also baked some Lemon & Cream Cheese, and Cranberries & Walnut cookies. You can just continue popping these in your mouth non-stop. I’m gonna order some for Raya.

Aren’t I spoilt? I have a colleague that’s a baking genius hehe.

Treats and more treats.

Yea,spoilt rotten.

Let’s Debate

I spent the last weekend listening to 40 speeches from almost 30 debaters that were trying out for spots to represent IIU [my beloved uni] and compete in the upcoming Worlds Universities Debating Championship in Thailand, Oxford debating tournie in UK and another tournie in Dhaka, Bangladesh end of this year.

Aaah yes, one of the perks of being a debater..travelling all across the globe to compete in international tournaments. I certainly enjoyed the travelling.

The university can’t send all the debaters to compete, so usually depending on the budget, number of teams allowed per uni, format of the tournament.. the top 10,6 [number varies] debaters out of the whole lot will be selected, they will then attend intensive trainings and continue to be in the running [read that line the Tyra Banks style haha]to be Champions.

So I was tasked along with a few other former debaters to judge the performance of those trying out and select the top debaters. Debaters had to debate for 5 rounds, over Saturday and Sunday.

Not easy okay, considering that some of them are neck-to-neck close in ability, style.

It’s all done systematically and very transparent, speakers are given scores and ranked after each round, marks are averaged out and become a reference for the selection committe to delibarate on. very serious business.

Selections can be nerve wrecking..I know..cos I’ve been through quite a number during my debating days. Some of the nerve wrecking bits are:

1. Knowing that there are limited places and there’s a gazillion people trying out
2. Competing against your seniors for a spot.. nervous + intimadated = not a good combi
3. waiting for your speaker positions [debaters you know how no one wants to go 1st speaker Opening Gov or PM in Asians] 
4. Getting the motion
5. Selectors having that glazed out look while they’re listening to your speech
6. Someone pointing out that you had a contradiction in your speech [die la]
7. The long wait [it's actually just a day or two] for the results

But after all that.. the adrenalin rush, pressure from your peers and yourself to do well, beating yourself up after everyone round cos you’re not sure whether you gave a good speech or whether the judges cum selectors liked your speech..it’s a pretty overwhelming feeling to finally read your name on the list of..

 Top Speakers Selected to Represent IIUM at the Worlds Universities Debating Championship

It feels great! It makes all the effort worth it. And I know some debaters are feeling it now, cos they’ve got 3 different countries to travel to in the next 2 months and make their mark.

Those that didnt make it, they’ll be devastated..but I can bet that I’ll see them again in the next selection for the next set of tournaments. Debaters dont give up easily and that’s an admirable trait.

So, congrats to those that made it & I’ll see you guys at training!

Below: Baby Hannah, the debater in making made a special apprerance at selections, both mum and dad are debaters. Isnt she adorable..look at those cheeks! I nicknamed her Sandwich :p She loves the camera.